Kushiel’s Chosen Review: No Middle-Book Slump
My review of Kushiel’s Chosen by Jacqueline Carey, book two of Kushiel’s Legacy. More intrigue, more loss, and not one wasted word. My honest take.
Middle books in a trilogy get a bad reputation, the bridge you tolerate to get to the finale. Kushiel’s Chosen is not that book. This is my honest Kushiel’s Chosen review, book two of Jacqueline Carey‘s Kushiel’s Legacy, the one where the intrigue tightens, the losses are harder, and Phèdre has to decide what she will give up to protect her Queen. So if you finished Kushiel’s Dart and you’re wondering whether the series holds, let me tell you where this one took me.
Phèdre nó Delaunay is one of the most complex and riveting characters I have ever read.  Add to that the fact that Ms. Carey’s writing is superb and the epic story that unfolds in these pages is bound to stay with anyone who reads it forever. ~ Under the Covers
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Kushiel’s Chosen by Jacqueline Carey
Phedre Trilogy # 2
April 6, 2002
Read this if you want:
- higher stakes
- love and loss in equal measure
- political intrigue where the heroine has everything to lose
I always knew that reading this trilogy would be an amazing experience. It just took me years to take a dive and commit to the page count. And I’m so glad now I’m doing it. It’s so much more than I ever thought it could be. Phèdre nó Delaunay is one of the most complex and riveting characters I have ever read. Add to that the fact that Ms. Carey’s writing is superb and the epic story that unfolds in these pages is bound to stay with anyone who reads it forever.
More Love, and a Lot More Loss
KUSHIEL’S CHOSEN brings more love and a lot more loss to Phèdre’s life. At times I wonder how can she bear it, and at others I wonder how can I? But in between the hardships there is always a sliver of hope. That small glimpse that keeps us all going. Hoping for better days ahead while she does what must be done to follow the right path… while battling sometimes her own desires.
Intrigue, Politics, and a Heroine Who Grows
A lot more intrigue and political turmoil plague the story in KUSHIEL’S CHOSEN. To protect her Queen, she may just have to give up everything she’s ever held dear. It is that strength of character that keeps me coming back to Phèdre. As does almost everyone in her homeland. With every situation she faces, she grows. She grows in understanding herself. She grows in understanding those around her.
A Long Book Without a Wasted Word
One thing is for certain, this book is never boring and never dull. For such a long story, there is not one wasted word or added fluff. The lyrical way in which Ms. Carey writes kept me on the edge of my seat. Simple yet so deep, so intense. I can’t say this book was just read, it was experienced. It was a tumultuous journey, action packed until the end. Not knowing which way it would go was the best part! Not knowing if there was a happy resolution to each event. Some yes, some no. But I loved every second of it.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Series
I really love the combination of politics, religion and love as well as the lyrical prose of this series! And I think I’m ready for the darkness I feel coming ahead in the final installment.
Favorite Quotes:
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Well, I was living it, but a shared dream half-lived is a hollow thing.
There is a madness in love.
There is such a thing as a grief too immense for tears; this was almost one such.
In the end, I was what I was, Kushiel’s Chosen. Strength was not my weapon; only surrender.
…his love the dagger by which I fixed the compass of my heart.
Feeling intimidated to start?
Come read the whole series with us for our Kushiel’s Legacy readalong, and start with the Kushiel’s Legacy reading guide if you want to get oriented first.
Kushiel’s Chosen Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kushiel’s Chosen worth reading?
Yes. If you loved Kushiel’s Dart, this one rewards you for staying. It is the rare middle book that raises the stakes instead of treading water, and I loved every second of it.
Do I need to read Kushiel’s Dart first?
Yes. Kushiel’s Chosen is book two of Phèdre’s trilogy and ongoing storyline. So start with Kushiel’s Dart, then come here, then finish with Kushiel’s Avatar.
Is Kushiel’s Chosen as good as the first book?
I think it holds. They are almost on par. For such a long book there is not one wasted word, the intrigue is tighter, and the emotional stakes are higher.
Is Kushiel’s Chosen darker than Kushiel’s Dart?
There is more loss in this one, and you feel it. But the heaviest darkness in the trilogy is still ahead, in Kushiel’s Avatar.
How long is Kushiel’s Chosen?
It is a big one, around 700 pages depending on your edition. It earns the length, though. There is no filler.
Is Kushiel’s Chosen spicy or explicit?
Yes, in keeping with the series. It is adult, with explicit content and the same intentional treatment of Phèdre’s nature that runs through all the books. Including BDSM elements woven in as part of who she is.
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